The adventure lover's dream

This is a country where the crystal clear Caribbean waters are teeming with life. The forests are alive with beneficial trees and medicinal plants. The old culture of the Mayans is still felt as the newer cultures of the Mestizo, Garifuna, and Creole people greet you with open arms. But the best news may be that there are so many reserves that nearly half of Belize is covered by protected areas. It is also an ecology and conservation lover's dream.

Most people that visit this once secret jewel of a nation arrive via cruise ship and spend less than a day ashore. Not only is that problematic for the environment, but those that fail to stay even overnight in this beautiful country are missing out on more than they could ever know. With the teeming biodiversity of both the reefs and the forests, vibrant and diverse cultures, excellent food & drink, and more adventures than you could experience in a year, Belize needs time to be appreciated. At TREE we make the most of our time. We get deep into the forests and get into the waterfalls. We get out into the reefs and explore with our fins and masks. We use locally owned and operated research stations, lodges, and restaurants, and explore protected areas that benefit from our usage. It's impossible to see all of Belize in 10 days. BUT we guarantee that you will experience more than you thought possible during your stay, all while learning about ecological connections and contributing to conservation efforts in the forests and in the reefs. Unbelizeable!

Highlights of TREE Belize Expeditions

Hike the Maya Mountains and learn about the many uses of all the trees and plants

Trek through Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world's first and only jaguar reserve, and spot rare birds, float down one of the reserve's creeks, and hike to the magnificent Tiger Fern double waterfall!

Climb ancient Mayan Ruins and view the forests from above

Snorkel the largest living coral reef remaining in the world - glimpse many different types of fish, rays, eels, lobster, nurse sharks, and the invasive lionfish (and if you're lucky enough you may see dolphins and manatees too!)

Search for dolphins and manatees aboard a research vessel

Kick back in a hammock and enjoy the Belizean way of life, both while in the jungle and while on one of the many sun-splashed islands

Swim with whale sharks off the coastal waters (DEPENDS HEAVILY ON TIME OF YEAR)

Day 1: Arrive Belize City Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport and head into the Savanah for a relaxing introduction to the country at either the Monkey Bay Center, Community Baboon Wildlife Sanctuary, or St. Herman's inland blue hole (not the famous Blue Hole off the coast, but still beautiful).

Day 2, 3, and 4: Depending on your preference, head out to the islands or into the jungles. If you prefer to start on the islands we will take a boat out to either Tobacco Caye, Caye Caulker, or Turneffe Atoll (if you wish to go to Caye Caulker a flight could be arranged). On the islands we will snorkel in the largest living reef in the world while learning about species identification, ecological connections, threats to the reef, and how the reef provides numerous benefits to us on land. If we stay at Turneffe Atoll we will go dolphin and manatee watching, using the same protocols as the marine mammal researchers that frequent the atoll islands. Tobacco Caye will also feature manatee watches, with a chance of seeing dolphins, and is a unique island because of its proximity to a reef channel and its pirate history. Night snorkels are a very popular activity on Tobacco Caye that are not offered on the other islands. Caye Caulker is the largest of these islands and has the most variety of accommodations, restaurants, bars, and activities. Here we can visit Hol Chan marine reserve and swim with nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley. All islands will also feature mangrove exploration and experiential education on the importance of mangroves and identification of these species.

Turneffe Atoll accommodations are with the University of Belize Environmental Research Institute (ERI) and are very basic, but set in the midst of the most unspoiled nature. There are no bars or restaurants here, just excellent food cooked by some of the most talented Belizean chefs in the country. Nobody lives on Turneffe Atoll full-time.

Tobacco Caye has a selection of a few different accommodations, all locally owned and operated. It is the smallest island but still features two bars (for adults only) and endless coconuts (for everybody). About 35 people live on this island full-time.

Caye Caulker is the largest of the three destinations and features an abundance of accommodations, bars, and restaurants. This is the least nature-oriented island, but there are the most activities offered from here, and some are incredible!

(It is recommended that student groups do not visit Caye Caulker)

If you prefer to begin your journey in the jungle rather than out in the islands, swap Day 2, 3, and 4 with Day 5, 6, and 7.

Day 5, 6, and 7: Return to the mainland and hop aboard transport with Belize's most reliable driver, Mr. Paul. Head either into the far west jungles of Cayo, or the south-central jungles of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

In the Cayo rainforest see incredible flora biodiversity and learn about the many hidden uses of these trees and plants. Hike through ancient caves, climb Mayan ruins, and river tube through villages. It is also possible to visit the Mountain Pine Ridge reserve, one of the most beautiful natural places on Earth - home to waterfalls, caves, pools, and tropical pine trees!

In the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary we will have the chance to see fauna biodiversity - it is the first and only jaguar preserve in the world. Though the chances of seeing the elusive, nocturnal jaguar are slim, we will set infrared camera traps to try and catch a picture of one and we will sometimes see evidence of their existence through giant paw prints in mud. Aside from the jaguars, there are many different species of birds, and howler monkeys are never far away. Watch out for snakes and tarantulas as you marvel at their captivating presence. Feel what it might be like to spend a night in the forest as we go on night hike and turn off the lights and sit in silence for a few minutes. Swing on vines and learn how to survive in this abundant area teeming with termites, cohune nuts, and freshwater. Go for a river tube through an underdeveloped reserve and feel the serenity. Slide down a natural waterslide at Ben's Bluff. Hike to perhaps the most amazing natural feature in the forest, the Tiger Fern double waterfall. Top off all of these nature experiences with a visit to Maya Center. Here we will participate in making chocolate from cacao fruit we pick from the trees while learning about the traditions of the Mayans from modern Maya people.

Day 8: Return to Belize City and stay either in the city and experience the true heart of contemporary Belizean culture, or stay just outside the city at the Tropical Education Center and enjoy a visit to the Belize Zoo and Conservation Center.

Day 9: Depart from Belize City Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport.